2.7 Auto Regular cab 4x4 owners ???

I've been thinking about finding a 4x4 regular cab with an automatic for my next vehicle.
It's kind of no frills which I like and it's short enough to fit in my driveway.
Seeing how small the cab is I'm wondering how you owners find it after living with it for a while. WOULD YOU BUY IT AGAIN?
Also do any of you drive with your dog in the cab with you?
How's that work? The automatic has bucket seats making it a 2 seater. My dog is 45lbs.
My wife drives a Venza (no dogs allowed) and I plan to give my 2005 Xterra to my son (he'll take it away to college). The Tacoma will be mine to replace the Xterra.
I ride a motorcycle to work most days so the truck will mostly see use for duties/weather not suitable for the bike or when I have to dress up in a suit.
Space is limited so really I can only fit the regular cab or a Jeep.
Kind of digging the Tacoma though.

 

I came from an extended cab and was worried about space for a while. I have found that i have gotten accustom to it and don't miss the space to much. It is perfect for me on those in-climate non bike days to work, and there s just something fun about driving one. Not to mention knowing it will never die and nothing weather or otherwise can stop it. I think you will be okay and enjoy it. My two cents. Also there are plenty of aftermarket fun parts to blow all your money on and people on here to tell you to do it.

 

Honestly, at this point, I don't think there is any amount of money that could buy mine. I absolutely love it. But, I have always been partial to Reg Cab trucks. Less room=less junk. Since I have 285s on mine, I'm going to get 4.88 gears and then it will be perfect.

 

Automatics suck...dog rides in the back, where he belongs!

 

@BabyTaco

 

I don't know why but something about seeing a regular cab 4x4 Tacoma that makes my pants tight.

 

I've got a 2.7 RC 4x4 manual and would absolutely buy it again. I would think the automatic would be fine. Only question I have about the 2.7 auto is going up steep inclines.

 

I agree. It's proportionally good looking, overbuilt and a good size for what I need. That's why I'm interested. I just wonder if the tight cab would grate on my nerves after a while. I haven't had a regular cab truck in nearly 20 years and even that was a full size with a bench seat.
My dog rides inside with me. That's not going to change. Luckily we have the Venza if the whole family needs to go anywhere.

 

Yeah I have an access cab '04, but I was very close to pulling the trigger on an '05 single cab. That was my biggest concern too with the reg cab though, but I was willing to make it work. Honestly, if you don't NEED the passenger space then you'll adapt to having the regular cab. Could always put a cap over the bed if you need extra secure storage space.

 

Love my regular cab tacoma. Wouldn't trade it for anything. My Dogs can ride in back (once I get this softopper on).

Mines an auto. Couldn't buy the manual because I can't drive a stick anymore. I really don't care all that much between manuals and autos.

 

Where do you live OP? Honestly, the reg cab 4x4 sounds right for you.

 

It is small, but if it's mostly just you and puppy, you'll be fine. They're also the best looking Tacoma.

 

Reg cabs are the best cabs.

 

I would buy a regular cab again, I love it. I have a canopy so storage isn't a problem. I don't have a dog.

I am personally hurt and offended that toyota has discontinued the regular cab.

 

I'd buy ten more if I could.

 

eh, I dunno if the 3rd gen would look too great as a reg cab with the longer front end. Some fabricator in Baja made a 3rd gen regular cab tacoma using a 2nd gen frame and 3rd gen body parts, there's a thread on it here somewhere....


edit: here it is




doesn't look too bad

 

Nice setup. What you got?

 

I'm in Rhode Island, where roads are all in disrepair and there's a stop sign every 200 yards.

I agree.

 

Tires are 265/75R16 and Fuel wheels. I bought them from ole @MKW up at the top of this thread.

Lift is a spacer lift, it was on the truck when I bought it.

LCE header will be here Friday and I just picked up SR5 bucket seats today. So I've got a busy weekend ahead of me!

Oh and disclaimer I'm a manual transmission owner with a 40 pound dog as well. He loves the ride but my truck doesn't suit him as well as my fiancée's car does.

 

Look at the bright side, you won't be going too fast when you hit the next pot hole with a stop sign every 200 yards.